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Superintendent Of Schools Robert I. Shaps Focuses On New School Year

MAMARONECK, N.Y. -- Superintendent of Schools Robert I. Shaps shares his thoughts on the acceleration of the new academic year.  

Superintendent of School Robert  I. Shaps discusses the start of the new school year.

Superintendent of School Robert I. Shaps discusses the start of the new school year.

Photo Credit: File

Dear parents and community members,

Looking across the district, I see so many signs that we are off and running -- from our transition to full-day kindergarten to the expansion of the dual-language and 1:1 computing programs.

Most visible is the engagement of our students. Students already are preparing for concerts, creating art work and writing stories. Our Original Science Research students at MHS are knee-deep in preparing their entries for the Siemens and Intel competitions. Our Chinese language students are getting ready for the annual multicultural experience of hosting exchange students from Shanghai and then visiting China later in the year. As we think about the pace of the school year and all the changes taking place we must not lose sight of our purpose: making a difference in the lives of all of our students and helping them become thoughtful citizens who are equipped to play central roles in our community and our nation. We must continue emphasizing quality, relevance and deep understanding.  Earlier this month, the Board of Education and administration finalized the district's goals. They prioritized a number of initiatives that will promote student achievement and engagement and enrich the climate in our schools. On Tuesday, Oct. 7, we plan to review student achievement data from the 2013-14 school year, establish academic performance goals for the current school year and introduce a District Data Dashboard that will provide parents and community members with demographic, academic performance and student engagement information.  So, as our engines keep rolling and the pace keeps going, I wish you and your families some time this extended weekend to put on the brakes just a little and enjoy. Enjoy each other, and enjoy the slower pace.  Regards, Dr. Robert I. Shaps  Superintendent of Schools  

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